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- Director of Orchestra Personnel
Description
DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL JOB DESCRIPTION
Department: Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Location: Primarily onsite with occasional remote work
FT/PT: Full time
Last Revision Date: July 26, 2024
How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address:
- Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
- Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role
The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.
The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.
The DSO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to who we are; we work to create an environment where all employees are seen, valued, and supported to enable their best every day. This is essential as we pursue our mission to impact lives through unforgettable musical experiences by sustaining a world class orchestra for the city of Detroit and the global community.
The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org.
Position Summary: The Director of Orchestra Personnel is responsible for the day-to-day management of Orchestra activities and related functions in compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The Director of Orchestra Personnel oversees the personnel of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and acts as liaison between musicians, the Music Director, stage crew, and administrative staff. Responsibilities include preparing orchestral rosters and seating assignments, preparing and maintaining orchestra payroll and other records, serving as timekeeper for orchestra services, hiring substitute and extra musicians, and coordinating auditions.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain a respectful and positive environment for the musicians of the orchestra. Foster and encourage open communication between the orchestra and administrative staff while reinforcing institutional goals and values.
- Along with the Orchestra Manager, ensure smooth operation of all orchestra activities involving DSO and substitute musicians in compliance with the CBA including communicating and coordinating with conductors, stage crew, librarians, and other administrative staff.
- Prepare contracts for new hires, longterm substitutes, and individual contracts for DSO musicians. Ensure relevant paperwork is completed and passed on to Human Resources in a timely manner.
- Attend services and oversee musician attendance, timing of breaks, services, and overtime; explain service protocol and CBA service terms to all conductors and enforce compliance when necessary.
- Manage musician seating assignments including rotation, relief, split requests, and leave.
- Ensure appropriate substitute musicians are hired. Arrange travel and housing assistance as needed.
- Maintain musician and substitute musician contact lists.
- Oversee the complete scope of the audition process and ensure compliance with the CBA. Serve as proctor for all auditions.
- Evaluate the DSO’s recruitment practices in collaboration with the DEI Committee and Human Resources.
- Facilitate the tenure review process.
- Accurately track musician attendance, sick and personal days, leaves of absence, rotations, and relief.
- Prepare orchestra payroll, including media payments, accurately and in compliance with CBA and individual contracts.
- Prepare annual personnel budget and contribute to budgeting process on a project basis.
- Manage, coach, and support the Manager of Orchestra Personnel in their day-to-day operations, annual goal setting, and provide training in all areas of responsibility pertaining to the orchestra.
- Serve as the Personnel Manager and Manager on Duty for rehearsals and concerts.
- Address personnel issues, document, and communicate to other staff as appropriate.
- Maintain an open and positive relationship with union representatives. Assist in resolving labor disputes and support CBA negotiations.
- Perform other duties as assigned including, but not limited to assisting with tour and residency arrangements, media projects, research, and strategic initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years experience in orchestra personnel administration, or related professional orchestral experience
- Thorough knowledge of classical music and understanding of symphony orchestra structure, instrumentation, and practices. Ability to read music.
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and organizational communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of personnel and benefit records
- Demonstrated proficiency in PC network environment and experience with Microsoft 365 and Windows software.
- Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities
- Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment
Desired Qualifications:
- 8+ years experience in orchestra personnel administration, or related professional orchestral experience
- Proficiency with OPAS
- Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Additional Information:
- This is a salaried, non-union position
- Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule
- All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.
Physical Requirements:
This role primarily works in an office environment, and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen. See DSO job board for additional physical requirements.
Position Reports to: Orchestra Manager
Direct Reports: Manager of Orchestra Personnel, Orchestra and Training Programs Librarian